Which of these blue shades to use for tank background?

Hey guys,

So I'm buying paint this weekend to create the background for my tank (Lots of good info here on FL, thanks!). Had like an hour to kill in a paint store after work and thought, what a great opportunity to look at color options!

Keeping in mind that I a) just don't dig black backgrounds for my tanks and b) figure everything's an option this early on, out of the 18 (hey, I was bored) color swatches I picked up:




I narrowed it down a bit:




This is goin' on a 20 x 18 x 20 cube and will be stocked w/a school of silver pygmy corys, couple'a Bolivian Rams, and Honey Gouramis. Live planted w/some java fern / moss, vals, some different stuff, under decent light. Big centerpiece of medium dark driftwood (will probably get java fern growing on that), and then river rock in different sizes.

See one you like? L to r 1 to 4 across the top / 5 - 8 across the bottom. Feel free to chime in, because I'm undecided.

Also a ? regarding background color shades - I think the most cited answer I've read here for black backgrounds on our tanks is the 'pop' factor and fish feeling secure. With blues, is there any particular reason one would lean towards a darker shade than a lighter? Does either benefit the fish in a tank moreso than the other when we're working in shades of blue?

Appreciate the input and experience shared!

 

I like 5 and 6 but of course it's up to you. Good luck!

 

I prefer 2 and 4 but it is what you like that matters, LOL

 

I like 2 and 7 but whatever floats your boat matters most!

 

2 or 6 get my vote. But any of those colors would look nice (i'm one of the black background group )

 

My wife insisted on a very dark blue background and I'm surprisingly happy with it.

 

What's your substrait?

 

I like 2 and 7 too, though as everyone else has said, it's what you think that's important!
Personally, I would start with a darker blue at the bottom and make it lighter as it goes up. I think it would sort of mimic the natural colour/lighting of an actual ocean or river.

 

I like 2 or 8, sounds like 2 is winning the poll so far

 

What's your substrait?

Ah, forgot to mention that - pool sand, like a whitish tan. And, actually now that I've laid out some of the hardscape design, mostly at no angle will one actually see the entire floor of the tank, between driftwood, rock & plants.

 

Definitely blue!

 

And the winner is . . . #7 !




Picking up the paint tomorrow afternoon and spending the night with my dog, a roller and Dominos! Pics to follow in the album.

#2 ran a very close second, btw.

Thanks for the input, guys.

 

And the fiinished product:

 

Looks great! I told you blue was the best choice

 

Looks great! I told you blue was the best choice

Who'da' thunk? I actually went #7 and 2 shades lighter - it has some cool blending effects getting lighter towards the top, which doesn't show up on the camera. But it's cool - looks like the water's got light playing through it, off in the background.

Tryin' to picture it w/plants and such and lit up. Driftwood & rocks get here this week - woo-hoo!

 

You'll have to post photos when you've got it up and running. It looks really nice! I have blue on my 30 gal... came that way but I really do like it. Maybe I'll try what you did on one of my 10's

 

You'll have to post photos when you've got it up and running. It looks really nice! I have blue on my 30 gal... came that way but I really do like it. Maybe I'll try what you did on one of my 10's

Benjamin Moore #769 'Dream I can fly' and then a paint color 2 shades lighter. Available in pints at your local fine hardware store.

*gRiN*

(PS - I will. I'm photo-tracking progress from start to finish w/this tank in my album.).